It's been out for a while now and it's safe to say the majority of people think the Lincoln MKZ is a good-looking car, big grille and all. But the motor company's next new car, the Lincoln MKC, looks even better. Some of it has to do with the clamshell tailgate. Who doesn't like a good clamshell tailgate?

The Lincoln MKZ is a Ford Fusion in a totally new suit. The Lincoln MKC (the C is for Crossover!)…
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The MKC is not a showstopper. It's just handsome, like the Ford Edge Concept that bowed at LA. It looks like a VW Tiguan and Audi Q5 had a Lincoln half brother, we know that. They could've cherry picked from uglier competitors.

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Let's take a leap and say that the winged grille works on this car. It's toned down for sure, and I believe there's more separation between the slats. It's imposing but not dominating. There's a tasteful level of LED-age in relation to the competition, too.

It's promising on the inside. To my great surprise, it's not shiny plastiwood on the doors, but unpolished wood-like stuff. Much nicer, much more Audi-ish. The design is pleasing enough, with definite MKZ influences. It's not as ambitious in style, but with buttons and knobs, it's likely easier to live with. I approve of the window switch movement and quality, as well.

All of this, however, is meaningless if the thing isn't very special to drive, as Travis found out when he drove the MKZ. Crucially, it's meaningless if it isn't more special than an Escape to drive. Lincoln claims to have taken pains to distance itself from Ford references (a new 2.3-liter Ecoboost will no doubt help), so full praise will wait until then.